How should a notary handle an illegible stamp impression?

When faced with an illegible stamp impression, the appropriate response is to draw a line through the impression and re-stamp. This action serves multiple purposes. First, drawing a line through the illegible impression clearly indicates that the original impression is not valid. This transparency helps avoid any potential confusion regarding the authenticity of the notarization.

Re-stamping ensures that a readable and clear impression is provided, maintaining the professionalism and integrity of the notarial act. A clear stamp is essential for documentation purposes, as it substantiates the notary's authority and the authenticity of the notarized document. Ensuring legible impressions also aligns with best practices in notarial procedures, where clarity and accuracy are paramount to uphold the trust in the notarial system.

In contrast, simply ignoring the issue does not resolve the problem and may lead to questions about the validity of the notarization. Stamping over the initial impression can lead to further confusion, as it would not clarify which impression is the legitimate one. Logging the illegible impression in a journal without taking further action does not rectify the issue, and it does not enhance the document's reliability or credibility.